2023 Executive Capital Improvement Plan

City of Madison

This image shows the City of Madison skyline from Lake Monona, including the capital, Monona Terrace, and part of John Nolen Drive.

Investing in Madison's Priorities

The 2023 Executive Capital Budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) invests in buildings, infrastructure, and other capital projects that make Madison a stronger, safer, and healthier community. The 2023 Executive CIP invests $1.27 billion in 180 projects between 2023 and 2028. The CIP leverages multiple funding sources, including once-in-a-generation federal funding opportunities, to advance City priorities of affordable housing, transit, climate resilience and sustainability, and equity.

Mayor Rhodes-Conway addresses a group in front of City buses, behind a podium that is labeled "Badger Bounceback". Governor Evers stands to the Mayor's left.
Mayor Rhodes-Conway addresses a group in front of City buses, behind a podium that is labeled "Badger Bounceback". Governor Evers stands to the Mayor's left.

As with prior years, the 2023 Capital Budget is aligned with the elements of a great city, outlined in the comprehensive plan,   Imagine Madison  :

  1. Land Use & Transportation
  2. Neighborhoods & Housing
  3. Economy & Opportunity
  4. Culture & Character
  5. Green & Resilient
  6. Effective Government
  7. Health & Safety

The following graph shows capital investments by year, by element.

Power BI Report

In addition to aligning with the elements outlined in Imagine Madison, these projects advance the following priorities:

  1. Racial Equity and Social Justice: The project positively impacts residents who are BIPOC, lower income, or otherwise marginalized.
  2. Climate Change and Sustainability: The project mitigates climate change and advances   Climate Forward  .
  3. Long-Range Planning: The project aligns with Imagine Madison and other strategic plans, including  Housing Forward  ,   Metro Forward , and Vision Zero.

Funding the Plan

Solar panels atop the City's library, with the capitol in the background.

The majority of the plan’s funding comes from General Obligation (GO) borrowing, a type of municipal borrowing that is secured by the City's property tax base. The 2023 Executive CIP includes $709.8 million in GO borrowing over the next six years, with $532.6 million of GO borrowing repaid by the property-tax supported General Fund. The remaining GO borrowing is funded by other sources such as enterprise funds for utilities and Metro Transit. In 2023, debt service on capital projects will account for about 17% of the operating budget.

Power BI Report

Other major funding sources for the plan include:

  • Grants from the federal and state government
  • Revenue bonds issued by Sewer and Water utilities
  • Tax Increment Districts
  • Impact fees paid by developers

Mapping the Plan

This map shows the locations of capital projects in the 2023 Executive Capital Improvement Plan. Click on a project's location to learn more about the project’s budget, timeline, and status.

2023 Executive Capital Improvement Plan

Some items in the capital plan, such as equipment, technology, and planning efforts, can’t be visualized on a map, but are still important components of the plan. Of the 182 projects in the 2023 Executive Capital Budget, we have included 72 on this map.

Budget Timeline

This map reflects the Mayor’s Executive Budget. The Common Council will be able to propose changes before they adopt the budget in November.

March 22

Budget Kickoff

April 22

Agency Requests

September 6

Executive Budget Introduced

September 12-13

Finance Committee Hearings

November 15-17

Council Adoption

Keep reading to learn more about the projects in each category.


Land Use & Transportation

The City is investing 48.5% of the Capital Improvement Plan in projects that support Land Use & Transportation.

Power BI Report

Land Use & Transportation Projects and Programs

Projects in this category build infrastructure to connect neighborhoods to the rest of the City; ensure roads, bridges, and other infrastructure are safe and well maintained; and continue to build a strong bicycle network across the City. Significant investments in the 2023 Executive CIP include the Bus Rapid Transit network, a new Safe Streets for All program, and ongoing funding for building new and improving existing bike paths, streets, and sidewalks.


Neighborhoods & Housing

The City is investing 10.3% of the Capital Improvement Plan in projects that support Neighborhoods & Housing.

Power BI Report

Neighborhoods & Housing Projects and Programs

These projects create strong and complete neighborhoods that meet the needs of all residents, including ongoing investments in affordable housing development, consumer lending programs for homeownership and rehabilitation, and land banking. Major investments in the 2023 CIP include a permanent shelter for men experiencing homelessness, increasing funding for affordable housing development, and continuing to fund the City's land banking program.


Economy & Opportunity

The City is investing 1.0% of the Capital Improvement Plan in projects that support Economy & Opportunity.

Economy & Opportunity Projects and Programs

Projects in this category support a growing economy that helps residents and businesses to prosper. Madison has significant racial disparities in income and education. These projects work to grow Madison's economy and make opportunities available to all residents. In addition, these projects will continue to emphasize economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.


Culture & Character

The City is investing 5.8% of the Capital Improvement Plan in projects that support Culture & Character.

Power BI Report

Culture & Character Projects and Programs

Madison is growing and becoming more diverse. As the city changes, we will maintain the parts of Madison that draw people here, while creating new places that reflect what is important to our residents.

Projects in this category to invest in the unique character of our City. These projects build on cultural and historic assets, such as parks, libraries, and community centers.


Green & Resilient

The City is investing 19.1% of the Capital Improvement Plan in Green & Resilient projects.

Power BI Report

Green & Resilient Projects and Programs

Projects in this category invest in energy efficiency and resiliency to help the City mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Additionally, these projects preserve our natural environment and the health of our community by supporting parks and open spaces. Major investments in the 2023 CIP include green improvements to City buildings, flood mitigation infrastructure, and improvement to our water quality systems.


Effective Government

As the City grows in population and area, so does the demand for essential services. The City is investing 11.8% of the Capital Improvement Plan to projects that support Effective Government.

Power BI Report

Effective Government Projects and Programs

These projects support efficient, reliable facilities, and services that support all residents. Key projects in the 2023 CIP include investments in our Streets Division to support an improved drop-off site downtown and a new facility on the far west side, as well as investments in new Fleet equipment to support other City agencies.


Health & Safety

The City is investing 3.6% of the Capital Improvement Plan in projects that support Health & Safety.

Power BI Report

Health & Safety Projects and Programs

Projects funded under this Element include support for the street lighting, public safety information technology, and projects aimed at ensuring the safety of our City's streets for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Investments in the 2023 CIP include a training program to support the Fire Department, streetlight installation, and upgrading signing and pavement markings for the Town of Madison


Tour the City of Madison Capital Improvement Plan

The following map will take you on a tour of some of the major projects included in this year's Capital Improvement Plan.

1

Citywide Flood Mitigation

This program is for stormwater network improvements where flooding occurs during heavy rainfall events. The goal of the program is to eliminate flooding and protect property from damage. Projects planned in 2023 include: construction of the Mendota Grassman Greenway, Lower Badger Mill Creek Pond, Eastwood/Atwood Flood Mitigation, and the preliminary designs for West Towne Pond and Old Sauk Trails Business Park Pond and greenways.

2

Elver Park

This project funds continued improvements to Elver Park. The goals of the project are improved access to park amenities and improved stormwater management at the park. Funding in this project is for replacing the existing path system throughout the park, updating the utility infrastructure for ice rinks and snowmaking for ski trails, and reconstruction of the parking lot.

3

Pleasant View Road Phase 1

This project is for reconstructing Pleasant View Road from US-14 to Old Sauk Road. The goal of this project is to expand the existing roadway and improve the pavement quality. The current pavement rating is 4 of 10. The project's scope includes construction of a four lane roadway with multi-use path and sidewalk to replace the existing two lane roadway.

4

Well 19 Iron and Manganese Filter

This project is for a new iron, manganese, and radium treatment system at Well 19 located on Lake Mendota Drive on the City’s west side. The goal of this project is to improve water quality in the area.

5

East-West Bus Rapid Transit

This program funds the implementation of the East-West Bus Rapid Transit (E-W BRT) which runs from the Junction Rd/Mineral Point intersection east to East Towne and onto Sun Prairie.  The goal of E-W BRT is to reduce travel times, increase ridership, and improve Metro Transit System capacity.  BRT, coupled with Metro’s Network Redesign, seeks to provide better service to all of Madison’s residents.

6

Lake Monona Waterfront Improvement

This project, formerly known as Law Park Improvements, funds improvements at Lake Monona Waterfront. The goal of the project is to form a master plan for a signature waterfront park.

7

John Nolen Drive

This project is for replacing the causeway bridges on John Nolen Drive between North Shore Drive and Olin Avenue. The goal of the project is to improve the transportation safety for this corridor for pedestrians, bicycles, and motor vehicles. The project's scope includes replacing the six bridges on the John Nolen Drive causeway, which are approaching the end of their service life. The bike path is also planned to be reconstructed to create additional space for bike and pedestrian traffic, particularly where it is narrow over waterways. Pavement is planned for replacement in the corridor. Design is scheduled through 2025 and construction is scheduled for 2026-27. Federal funding for the project has been approved.

8

Troy Drive Railroad Bridge

This project funds the reconstruction of the railroad bridge over Troy Drive. The proposed bridge would span the right of way and allow for reconstruction of Troy Drive to include sidewalk on both sides and bike facilities. The goal of this project is to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety along Troy Drive.

9

Permanent Men's Shelter

This project includes property acquisition, architecture and engineering services, and construction costs associated with building a permanent facility for shelter services for men experiencing homelessness. This facility will replace the shelter previously housed in the basements of churches in downtown Madison and later moved to temporary quarters in City-owned properties in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The project is being undertaken in collaboration with Dane County. The Madison Common Council recently approved a property at 1902 Bartillon Drive as the site for the permanent shelter. The City acquired the property in 2021. The City will partner with Dane County to build and operate the shelter.

10

Fleet Equipment Replacement

This program funds the replacement of the City’s general fleet. The program's goal is to replace vehicles in accordance with the master replacement schedule ensuring city staff have access to safe, reliable vehicles when providing their services.

11

Atwood Avenue

This project funds the reconstruction of Atwood Avenue from Fair Oaks Avenue to Cottage Grove Road to a three-lane boulevard with multi-use paths. Median and crosswalk enhancements are proposed for safe pedestrian crossing to Olbrich Gardens and Olbrich Park. The multi-use path will be utilized for the Lake Loop route around Lake Monona. A new pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Starkweather Creek is included in the project. The goal of the project is to improve the facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, motor vehicles and transit.

12

Fire Training Capability Development

This program funds the site development and installation of training props to conduct realistic fire and EMS training simulations and evolutions at Fire Station 14. The goal of the program is to further develop in-house training grounds to ensure department members and recruit academies obtain and maintain the skills necessary to provide the safest and most effective emergency services to the community.

Horizon List Projects

Madison is a growing city with growing capital needs. The Horizon List includes projects that meet community needs but are yet fully planned. These projects may be pending the completion of an evaluation study, awaiting receipt of a grant, or are contingent on other policy decisions. Listing these projects allows us to look forward and anticipate major work scheduled in future years.

The 2023 Horizon List includes remodeling Fire Station 4, various Parks facilities projects, and a Police Property and Evidence Facility. A full list of Horizon List projects is included in the summary section of the executive budget.

Learn More

To learn more about the budget, visit the   Budget   page and   Projects   portal on the City of Madison website.

Stay engaged with this year’s budget process by attending a public hearing, or sharing feedback with the   Mayor   and the   Common Council  .

City of Madison

Finance Department